Galong

If the government REALLY wanted to support the alcohol industry, do away with the monopolies by the big beer companies. Thailand has some wonderful CRAFT BEERS that are taxed heavily. Level the playing field! Additionally, the same government that wants to cut back on recreational use of marijuana wants to promote a more dangerous drug, alcohol... makes perfect sense. 🤨 BTW, whether a partaker or not, it sure seems like the fairly recent liberalization of pot has been very popular to a lot of people. I also don't see any uptick in crimes or pot-related problems.

I was forced to turn right today while on my bike as the yellow-plate taxi beside me was turning right. He had put a pakama (male sarong) on the driver's side window, so there was no way on earth he could see anything on the right... but I guess he was cool. 🤦‍♂️ In the same light, why don't the cops stop all of the big rigs that have decals/stickers covering their entire windows and often most of the windscreen? [rhetorical question BTW]

"entertainment owners need to provide hail-riding services to intoxicated people" I don't know if I missed it or not, but is this service at a gouging rate or a discount? Also, how do entertainment owners know if a person is fit to drive or not? What if an owner 'feels' like someone is drunk when they aren't and tries to force them to take a taxi? There seem to be a lot of variables and potential for confusion and abuse. At its root, it seems like a good idea of course.

Chiang Mai has to deal with the smell of slash-and-burn smoke. Phuket will have to get used to the overpowering smell of male cologne. 🤦‍♂️

I just asked her if she wanted me to buy her something nice or just give her some money so she could buy whatever she wanted. She opted for money. She also said she bought and boxed something for me already. I don't like shopping... she likes shopping. This is perfect. BTW, every Thai I know celebrates Christmas. It has nothing to do with religion for them and everything to do with gifts for and from loved ones.

Ah, teachers... yes. Small business owners like myself do just fine here and play by the rules. Thailand has been a very easy place to run a small tour company.

There are quite a few of us who make a nice living here. We pay taxes, employ a lot of people, and generally contribute to society. We don't tend to bang on about it. 😉 I'm not sure why working here and making money makes us "idiots".

I've worked here for 30+ years. After 15 years (180 months) of paying into Thai Social Security, you are eligible for life. When I eventually give up my Work Permit, I have the option of a lump sum payment, monthly payments, or healthcare for life. I'll choose healthcare for life of course. I am very grateful for the Thai Social Security system and the healthcare that it offers. I use it often unfortunately.

Um, no, the Thais voted for Move Forward, not Phue Thai, by a substantial amount. This is not democracy at work. This is more like a political coup. Phue Thai put themselves in control. The country will not prosper under this new regime. It'll just be different people getting rich off of the backs of the working people.

"All foreigners"??? Not at all true. I don't remember taking any survey about wanting change.

This is sort of my situation... US SS directly deposited into my BKK Bank + 2 small pensions [not brought to Thailand unless I need some $] Plus, I work legally in Thailand and have for 30+ years. I wonder how that combo might affect things.

Yeah, seriously!! Just parking tickets alone in Phuket Town could generate massive income!!! As it stands, there is ONE CORNER that ONE COP gives daily parking tickets to. On that same road there are dozens of other illegally (and highly inconsiderate) parked cars, taxis, and vans. I've seen cops just ride past them. It's as if its too much to ask to have them do their job. ????‍♂️